One of the most difficult parts about parenting a child with special needs can be trusting another person to take care of them. Parents need to go out sometimes… that’s just inevitable. Whether it’s family function, a work event, or date night, there are a few places you can’t take your kiddo with you. It can be a challenge to find the right person to take care of your kiddo.

Know your priorities

Since there is a broad spectrum of special needs, there is a broad spectrum of individuals who may be able to serve them. For example, the needs of your child may merit you to want a caregiver or babysitter who is CPR certified. For others, they may want someone who knows how to bathe and care for their child. Still others may want an individual who is well equipped to handle seizures.

It’s a good idea to write down a list of characteristics that you want in a special needs caregiver. Doing so will allow you to understand where to look, who to interview, and what the needs of your child are.

Help them get to know your kiddo

It might be a good idea to write out an information card that regards your child. Write out their age, diagnosis, foods they like and don’t like, allergies, their favorite toys and pastimes, how to help calm them in the event of a meltdown, and whatever other helpful information you can think of. Make a checklist of bedtime routines, whatever they may be. Giving a babysitter information about how to help your child is crucial in ensuring that the communication between you and the sitter is good.

Where to look

1. Family
   

1. Some of the best places to look for a sitter start with your family and close friends. If your parents, aunts, uncles, or siblings know you and your child well enough and are reliable and trustworthy, it might be a good idea to perhaps start there.
   

2. Colleges
   

1. However, your child might have needs greater than those family members are equipped to handle. If you are looking for someone who specializes or is learning to specialize in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, special education, and the likes, it’s a good idea to start at a college campus. A lot of the times, colleges and universities have a career services department that posts job listings, including babysitting, caregiving, and nannying, to share with their students. Contacting the university to solicit a student is one of the best ways that you can get care for your child. It’s a win-win situation, even for the student, since they get good experience and pay!
   

3. Support groups of other special needs parents
   

1. If you are in a Facebook group for special needs parents, or even an actual support group in your hometown, it’s a good idea to ask special needs parents to help watch your child. That way, you and your special needs friends can trade off who watches the kiddos, and everyone can get a date night.
   

2. You can also ask those parents for referrals to companies or individuals who are able to cater to the uniqueness of your kiddo.
   

4. Care.com
   

1. Care.com is like the Amazon.com of babysitters! Type in your location and specify that you’re looking for a special needs babysitter, and it might pull up some great options! The great part about care.com is that it allows you to know the hourly rates and reviews of each person you are interested in using to watch your child.
   

Interview

Taking your time to find the right fit for your special needs kiddo will ensure a lot more peace of mind for you down the road. Asking the right questions to help you get to know whomever you are considering to care for your child.

Some good questions to ask are:

• What is your experience with special needs children?
  

• Why do you want to work with special needs kids?
  

• Are you CPR certified?
  

• Have you interacted with children who have _______ diagnosis?
  

• How do you handle conflict?
  

• How do you handle meltdowns?
  

• Are you a smoker?
  

• Do you have pet allergies?
  

• What is your typical availability?
  

• What are your rates?Going Forward
  

Please keep in mind that every child, situation, and babysitter is different! While these tips and suggestions might work for some, they may not work for all. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to discern whether or not a babysitter is right for your kiddo.